Before you buy your first Australian Kelpie

Congratulations! You've just made one of the most exciting decisions in your life – you’re buying your first Australian Working Kelpie!

Perhaps you were smitten with the striking appearance of the Working Kelpie, fascinated by their instinct, extraordinary intelligence, devotion to duty, or the strong bond they have with their owner. Or, you may have been drawn to them for their athletic ability, versatility, or their soundness of mind and body. In any event, you are about to embark on a new and exciting journey into the world of Working Kelpies. You’re ready to buy!

Just hold on! Keep your hands off your checkbook for just a minute. We have a couple suggestions, and a question or two. So, get out your pen and paper.

For more than a decade we have owned, bred and worked Australian Working Kelpies and during that time we have developed an unnatural curiosity for why some people stay with the breed while others exit as quickly as they enter.

How long you stay involved with the breed depends on whether you enjoy your Working Kelpie(s) and succeed in your canine endeavor.

Here are several steps developed to help you do just that. Grade yourself at each step.

1. Define your interests in owning an Australian Working Kelpie. Are your interests herding, canine sports, a working companion, tracking, or some other appropriate type of activity? Discuss those points with each breeder you contact. Be completely honest and provide details. Not every Working Kelpie is well suited to all sports, environments, or herding situations. A perfect match between you and your dog is paramount. Be clear about your interests.

2. Do a budget. The purchase of the dog is the least expensive part of owning a dog. Include the cost of food, veterinary care, licenses, training, education, equipment, travel expense, entry fees etc. Expect the unexpected and include an emergency fund. Ask the price of the puppy or young dog. Find out what is included in the price and what other hidden expenses you might expect. Not all breeders will clearly state what those expenses might be.

3. Maintenance – be realistic. Estimate how much time your canine interests will require and then how much time you are willing to or able sacrifice from your daily schedule. Remember that a Working Kelpie requires a great deal of mental and physical activity to remain healthy and happy. Too much idle time will motivate a Kelpie to utilize his independent thinking skills. This can lead to many unwanted behaviors.

4. Make the decision on what type of Australian Working Kelpie will best suit your interests, budget and goals. Prioritize the qualities you are looking for and seek out a breeder with similar interests. Not every breeder will have the same type of Working Kelpie or raise them in same manner or environment as the next. Socialization may be important to one breeder and have little or no importance to others. Remember that Working Kelpies come in many different sizes, colors, or they may have different working styles, temperaments, conformation, and bloodlines. Make sure you and the breeder have common interests. Ask questions.

5. Above all, buy the highest quality Australian Working Kelpie you can afford. Find a reputable breeder, which you can easily communicate with. Make certain you receive a certified pedigree and certificate of registration from a sanctioned breed registry such as the WKC (Working Kelpie Council of Australia, Inc.) and the puppy carries a tattoo with the breeder’s registered stud prefix.

Australian Working Kelpies have to be one of the most compelling life experiences. For more than a decade, we have watched people derive incredible satisfaction from owning, competing, breeding, and caring for their dogs. Somehow, those who were better prepared, with a watchful eye for quality, seem to enjoy their Working Kelpies more and often spend a lifetime as owners. For many of us, the Australian Working Kelpies are a combination of business, enjoyment, and a genuine passion for the breed. We have been one of those fortunate people.